Wakefield Wildcats in talks to release Steve Southern as Agar eyes new recruits from Down Under

Published:08:00Friday 05 October 2012

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WAKEFIELD Trinity Wildcats head coach Richard Agar has confirmed his interest in “three or four” Australian-based players as he continues to build his squad for 2013.

Trevor Thurling, recently forced out at NRL side Canberra Raiders, is one of the players Agar has held talks with but the Cats boss has revealed potential arrivals from Down Under all depend on freeing up space on the club’s overseas quota.

Agar has confirmed the club is already in talks with Steve Southern over cutting his deal at the Rapid Solicitors Stadium short after just one year to allow for new overseas arrivals.

“It’s just not worked out for Steve or for the club,” said Agar.

“He’s had one or two private issues that he’s had to deal with too so we’re working to a resolution on that one for both parties.”

Southern was handed the captain’s armband on his arrival in England but struggled for form and appearances throughout the campaign.

Reports from Australia say Wakefield have offered a two-year deal to 28-year-old Thurling.

Agar says he’d like to see the player in the red, white and blue next season but has a number of targets in mind to bolster his forward options.

“We’ve held talks with Trevor but there’s been no contract offer on the table because we have no quota spots available at the moment,” he said.

“We’ve looked at three or four players in Australia and I’m hoping to get two if not three of them over, but it all depends on our quota and what British players we bring in.

“In the meantime the situation might change because players may go off the market so we have to weigh certain things up.”

Thurling has agreed to play with the Queanbeyan Blues in the Canberra Raiders Cup next year unless a club comes in with a professional deal for him.

See this week’s Wakefield Express for all the latest Wakefield Wildcats news from around the district.